Orthodontic treatment goes far beyond just fixing crooked teeth.
After the four years it takes to become a dentist, a certified orthodontist goes through another two years of focused training to learn more about facial and dental anatomy, functions of the bones, and different techniques to align a patient’s bite.
Depending on how severely your oral hygiene and health are affected by orthodontic problems, treatment time can vary from a few months to even years. This is why you should put in the time and effort to find the right orthodontist before starting treatment. This is the first and most important step towards a lifetime of better dental health!
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Credentials
You’re likely to find a number of dentists who offer procedures such as teeth straightening even if they aren’t licensed orthodontists. It’s best to go with an orthodontist who has specialized training and experience. You can ask to see their license and even verify their credentials through the American Board of Orthodontics website.
Treatment Options
These days, there are a lot of different available dental braces, which differ in terms of price, treatment duration, and even aesthetics. Select an orthodontist who stays up-to-date with the latest technology, such as self-ligating and invisible braces, and can provide various options for orthodontic procedures.
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Distance
If you need to schedule appointments frequently, or even infrequently but over a longer period of time, distance should definitely be a consideration. You’ll soon find yourself skipping or postponing appointments if getting there is too tiring, time-consuming, or expensive!
Treatment Cost
Orthodontic treatment can quickly get expensive, especially if there are complications. Make sure you discuss the cost of the procedure with the orthodontist, as well as any additional costs that may be involved. If it looks like it might be more than you can afford, ask about payment plans or programs they participate in.
Reputation and Reviews
If any of your friends, family, and colleagues have undergone orthodontic treatment, ask them about their experiences and whether they can recommend a good orthodontist. Online review sites like Yelp! and even Google will also help you find nearby options. You can also use them to narrow down your list based on distance and other factors.
Visit Their Website
Just about every good orthodontist has a website where you’ll be able to read more about them and their practice. You can read up on the services they provide, their credentials, and certification. Quite often, they will have customer testimonials and feedback as well.
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Schedule a Visit
After following the steps above, you’ll probably end up with at least a few orthodontists on your list. First book a consultation visit with each of them. Then narrow down your choices based on your confidence in their abilities and how comfortable you are with their staff and clinic environment.
Ask Questions
Your orthodontist has a duty to address every patient’s concerns, so don’t feel shy about asking questions. If a procedure may have complications, find out how many times they have performed it and whether there are any alternatives. Understand all the benefits and risks associated with orthodontic treatment options, including any post-procedural precautions.
Looking for the right orthodontist can be time-consuming, but these tips will help you make the right choice. Above all, a visit to the orthodontist shouldn’t make you feel anxious or stressed. A good one will make you feel comfortable and safe both during consultations and while undergoing treatment!
Sharon William‘s day job is to handle digital marketing for Koch Orthodontics in Loganville, GA. With a flair for creating compelling content that clears the clutter and connects with the audience in an instant, she writes about dental topics to educate and help her readers. She truly believes that a genuine smile can win a million hearts and talks to her readers about improving their smiles and overall dental health, as well as enhancing their overall lifestyle. In her free time, she likes to organize small meets in her neighborhood where she brings people together to discuss various topics that she writes about.
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